Block Heater Usage

[RMHanes]

Just got back from a trip to northwest part of PA. The temperature was in the low teens at night. Since could not find a timer just plugged the block heater in and left it till went out for errands and such. Is there a particular timer that should be used of just the normal household variety as long as it is not outside of course? Is it wasteful/harmful to leave it plugged in for hours at a time? Sure had heat faster this way though and the passengers were thankful of that!!

 

[Midnight]

I am not sure exactly what the block heaters pull, but i use to use an in home timer in the garage for mine. It was getting a dark mark on the front of my wall receptacle when i unplugged the timer come spring time. I now use an industrial timer hard wired that turns two different wall plugs on and off. This is working out very well.

 

[radixr]

Timer

This is JMHO, but I would get a grounded (3-prong) timer with a capacity of at least 15 amps. The block heater draws about 600 watts. Home Depot has a good selection.



I think it is more than worth the electrical cost to warm up the engine for 3 hours before it is started. I use my heater all year around.

 

[Mog]

My truck is plugged in as soon as I get to work and when I get home when the temps are below 40 degrees. All of our service trucks have been plugged in every night and all weekend long when it is cold for ten years and we have never had a problem.

 

[David Wheeler]

RMHanes

Just go to Home Depot and purchase a Heavy Duty (made for large appliances) timer and you will be just fine. I believe I paid about $24 for mine.



God bless,



David

 

[chuck3]

Timers.

I've been useing a regular household timer for three winters now, they work just fine.